Warner, TX

Anna Ercius Warner, Austin, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110022138

Device and Method for Extracting Heat from the Palm of a Hand - A device for extracting thermal energy from the core body of an individual via the palm thereof during or after physical exertion activity by that individual, wherein the device includes (a) an enclosure containing a cold-maintaining substance, wherein the enclosure is not larger than the palm; and (b) securing means attached to the enclosure for securing the enclosure against the palm.

01-27-2011

Brett W. Warner, Austin, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20110022138

Device and Method for Extracting Heat from the Palm of a Hand - A device for extracting thermal energy from the core body of an individual via the palm thereof during or after physical exertion activity by that individual, wherein the device includes (a) an enclosure containing a cold-maintaining substance, wherein the enclosure is not larger than the palm; and (b) securing means attached to the enclosure for securing the enclosure against the palm.

01-27-2011

Deborah Warner, Houston, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140316156

METHOD OF PRODUCING THERAPEUTIC AGENT - A method for producing a therapeutic agent and the agent thus produced. This therapeutic agent, referred to as D-boramine, has the following chemical formula:[(CH

10-23-2014

Howell E. Warner, Forth Worth, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100062519

Portable organ and tissue preservation apparatus, kit and methods - An organ and tissue preservation and transport apparatus comprising a chamber, a temperature control mechanism and a system monitor. A medium bathes an organ within the chamber. The temperature control mechanism adjusts the temperature of the medium. The system monitors receiving and records the temperature of the chamber.

03-11-2010

Jeffery N. Warner, Arlington, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20150339241

System, Methodology, and Process for Wireless Transmission of Sensor Data Onboard an Aircraft to a Portable Electronic Device - Monitoring and reporting methods and apparatus include the acquisition of detailed aircraft state and systems data, analysis of the collected data, and transmission of the collected data and/or analysis of the collected data to a destination automatically via a portable electronic device which is carried onto and off of the aircraft by the pilot or another crew member. More particularly, monitoring and reporting methods and apparatus include collecting analog or digital sensor data onboard an aircraft, analyzing the data in real-time, and automatically transmitting the data and/or analysis of the data to a destination including a portable storage device such as a portable computer, electronic flight bag (EFB), or smart phone, by means such as wireless transmission, for automatic transfer to another destination when the portable computer, electronic flight bag (EFB), or smart phone is off of the aircraft.

Paul Warner, Austin, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20100174593

ONLINE SIMULATIONS AND NETWORK APPLICATIONS - Systems and methods are provided that involve a player to a significant degree with an advertisement and its accompanying product or service. One setting of the system and method may be a network application that is adjunct to an online simulation such as an MMO game. The system and method may be implemented in either or both, or in video games that are embodied in just one of these. The system and method provide a convenient way to tie advertising to game content. By use of advertisements, the user (through the player character) can become aware of and can access in-game items, player character attribute modifications, and rewards. Such advertisements may be banner advertisements or any other type of advertising. By taking advantage of the offers presented in the advertisements, a user of the network application may obtain items for their own use or for that of a corresponding MMO character.

07-08-2010

R. Jay Warner, Houston, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20090107833

Acetaldehyde removal from methyl acetate by distillation at elevated pressure - A method for removing acetaldehyde from a mixture of methyl acetate, methanol and acetaldehyde includes: (a) feeding the mixture of methyl acetate, methanol and acetaldehyde to a distillation column; (b) distilling the feed mixture of methyl acetate methanol and acetaldehyde at a pressure of 10 psig or more to generate an overhead vapor stream enriched in acetaldehyde as compared with the feed mixture and a residue stream depleted in acetaldehyde as compared with the feed mixture; and (c) withdrawing the residue stream depleted in acetaldehyde from the distillation column.

04-30-2009

20090247788

PURIFICATION OF ACETIC ACID FROM WOOD ACETYLATION PROCESS - A method of purifying acetic acid containing terpene and terpenoid impurities, includes: (a) supplying acetic acid containing terpene or terpenoid impurities and water to a distillation column; (b) azeotropically removing terpene or terpenoid impurities from the mixture of acetic acid and water supplied to the column as distillate; and (c) withdrawing a product stream from the column comprising acetic acid purified of terpene or terpenoid impurities. The method is particularly effective for purifying acetic acid recovered from a wood purification process.

10-01-2009

20100305360

Purification of acetic acid from wood acetylation process using extraction - There is shown a method of purifying glacial acetic acid containing terpene and terpenoid impurities. Substantially dry acetic acid containing terpene and terpenoid impurities is combined with water and a suitable organic solvent, which is substantially immiscible with acetic acid and water, to form a separating composite extraction medium having a weight ratio of acetic acid:water of at least 1:1. The components are separated into an organic phase and an aqueous acid phase, with the terpene and terpenoid impurities concentrated in the organic phase, and with the aqueous acid phase purified of terpene and terpenoid impurities. The purified aqueous acid phase is recovered, and the purified acetic acid is dried.

12-02-2010

20110082322

Process for Making Ethanol From Acetic Acid Using Acidic Catalysts - A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst comprises a first metal on an acidic support. The acidic support may comprise an acidic support material or may comprise an support having an acidic support modifier. The catalyst may be used alone to produced ethanol via hydrogenation or in combination with another catalyst. In addition, the crude ethanol product is separated to obtain ethanol.

04-07-2011

20110185628

PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING DENATURED ETHANOL - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing a denatured ethanol composition comprising the steps of hydrogenating an acetic acid feed in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol, and at least one denaturant and separating the crude ethanol product in one or more separation units into a denatured ethanol composition and one or more derivative streams. The denatured ethanol composition comprises from 0.01 wt. % to 40 wt % denaturant, based on the total weight of the denatured ethanol composition.

08-04-2011

20110185630

ETHANOL COMPOSITIONS - In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol.

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING AN ESTER FEED STREAM FOR ESTERS PRODUCTION AND CO-PRODUCTION OF ETHANOL - Recovery of an ester feed stream, optionally with the recovery of ethanol, from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of the ester feed stream and for integration of the ester feed stream with an esters production process. The composition of the ester feed stream may vary, but at least comprises ethyl acetate and ethanol. The ester feed stream may be fed to one or more locations within the esters production process depending on the composition of the ester feed stream.

08-04-2011

20110190547

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING ETHANOL - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

08-04-2011

20110190548

PROCESS FOR PURIFYING ETHANOL - Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.

08-04-2011

20110190549

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING A WATER STREAM FROM ETHANOL PRODUCTION - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing a water stream comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid to form a crude ethanol product and separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in at least one column of a plurality of columns into a distillate comprising ethanol and a residue comprising the water stream. The water stream preferably is essentially free of organic impurities other than acetic acid and ethanol.

08-04-2011

20110190550

PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING ANHYDROUS ETHANOL COMPOSITIONS - In one embodiment, the present invention is to a process for producing a anhydrous ethanol composition comprising hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product; separating in a first column at least a portion of the crude ethanol product into a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid; separating in a second column at least a portion of the first distillate into a second distillate comprising ethyl acetate and a second residue comprising ethanol and water; separating in a third column at least a portion of the second residue into a third distillate comprising ethanol and residual water and a third residue comprising separated water; and dehydrating at least a portion of the third distillate to form the anhydrous ethanol composition. The anhydrous ethanol composition, as formed, comprises less than 1 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the anhydrous ethanol composition.

08-04-2011

20110190551

Processes for Producing Ethanol from Acetaldehyde - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for forming an ethanol mixture by hydrogenating an acetaldehyde feed stream in the presence of a catalyst. The acetaldehyde feed stream comprises acetaldehyde and at least one of acetic acid and ethanol. Preferably the acetaldehyde feed stream is a by-product stream from a vinyl acetate synthesis process.

08-04-2011

20110190552

Process for Heat Integration for Ethanol Production and Purification Process - Ethanol production from the hydrogenation of acetic acid requires energy to drive the hydrogenation reaction and the purification of the crude ethanol product. Heat integration process to recover heat from one part of the production process to be used within the process improves efficiencies and reduces costs.

08-04-2011

20110257442

Process for Vaporizing Acetic Acid for Hydrogenation Processes to Produce Ethanol - Vaporizing acetic acid in the presence of hydrogen to provide a vapor feed stream for a hydrogenation process that produces ethanol. The vaporizer forms a vapor feed stream and a blowdown stream having a weight ratio of the vapor feed stream to the blowdown stream of at least 2:1. The acetic acid may vaporized at a temperature below acetic acid's boiling point at the operating pressure of the reactor. The hydrogenation process produces a crude ethanol product and ethanol is separated from the crude product. In addition, at least one recycle stream comprising acetic acid and less than 1.0 wt. % compounds having a boiling point higher than acetic acid, may also be separated. The recycle streams may be introduced to the vaporizer along with acetic acid to form the vapor feed stream.

10-20-2011

20110275861

HYDROLYSIS OF ETHYL ACETATE IN ETHANOL SEPARATION PROCESS - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid by hydrolyzing a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams obtained therefrom. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate and the hydrolyzed stream is directly or indirectly fed to the distillation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

11-10-2011

20110275862

PROCESS FOR PURIFYING A CRUDE ETHANOL PRODUCT - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove acetal impurities.

11-10-2011

20110275863

PROCESSES FOR MAXIMIZING ETHANOL FORMATION IN THE HYDROGENATION OF ACETIC ACID - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for purifying a crude ethanol product. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a purification zone. The purification zone preferably comprises a first column, which yields a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid. The at least a portion of the crude ethanol product has a residence time from the reactor to the purification zone from 5 minutes to 5 days.

11-10-2011

20110275864

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ETHANOL USING AN EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION COLUMN - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol product are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves separating the crude ethanol product using an extractive distillation column that employs an extraction agent, such as a recycled stream comprising water.

11-10-2011

20110275865

PROCESS FOR SEPARATING ACETALDEHYDE FROM ETHANOL-CONTAINING MIXTURES - Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In particular, light ends are separated in an acetaldehyde removal column operating at a pressure greater than atmospheric pressure to recover acetaldehyde that may be returned to the reactor and reduce acetaldehyde concentrations in an ethyl acetate stream.

11-10-2011

20120010437

Liquid Esterification For The Production Of Alcohols - Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.

01-12-2012

20120010438

Reduced Energy Alcohol Separation Process - Recovery of alcohols, in particular ethanol, from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a reduced energy process. The crude ethanol product may be fed to a distillation column in which a substantial portion of the water is removed with the acetic acid in the residue. The ethanol product is obtained from the distillate.

Separating Ethanol and Ethyl Acetate Under Low Pressure Conditions - A crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid comprises ethanol and ethyl acetate. Using a distillation column operated at a pressure of from 0.1 to 100 kPa, the ethyl acetate and ethanol may be effectively separated. In addition, maintaining the amount of water that is fed to the distillation column to an amount less than 10 wt. %, based on the weight of all components fed to the distillation column, provides an energy benefit.

01-12-2012

20120010441

PROCESS FOR RECYCLING GAS FROM ACETIC ACID HYDROGENATION - Monitoring and recycling gases from acetic acid hydrogenation reaction to maintain a constant pressure in the hydrogenation reaction system. Purging of the vapor stream comprising hydrogen may be limited or reduced. Further purging of the by-product may be from the dissolved by-product gases.

Alcohol Production Process with Impurity Removal - A method of removing impurities, such as halogens, sulfurs, and corrosion metal impurities, in an ethanol production process. Ion exchange resins may be used to remove these impurities from acetic acid feed streams and recycle streams that comprise unreacted acetic acid.

01-12-2012

20120010446

Hydrogenolysis of Ethyl Acetate in Alcohol Separation Processes - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and by reacting a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams containing ethyl acetate obtained therefrom in the presence of hydrogen, via hydrogenolysis. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate that are reacted in via hydrogenolysis form additional ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

01-12-2012

20120010447

Weak Acid Recovery System for Ethanol Separation Processes - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and recovery of unreacted acetic acid from a weak acid stream. The unreacted acetic acid may be recovered as a dry acetic acid composition and may be directly or indirectly fed to the hydrogenation reactor.

01-12-2012

20120010448

Finishing Reactor for Purifying Ethanol - A process for purifying ethanol by using a finishing reactor to remove impurities, such as ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, and diethyl acetal, present in ethanol after distilling a crude product from a hydrogenation reactor. The finishing reactor may reduce the impurities in the presence of hydrogen and a catalyst or may hydrolyze the impurities.

01-12-2012

20120030995

PROCESSES FOR PRODUCING ALCOHOLS FROM A MIXED ACID FEED - Processes for producing alcohols such as ethanol and propanol from a mixed acid feedstock. In one embodiment, the process comprises the steps of hydrogenating a mixed acid feedstock comprising acetic acid and one or more higher acids, preferably comprising propionic acid, in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude alcohol product comprising ethanol and one or more higher alcohols, preferably including propanol.

02-09-2012

20120030996

ETHANOL/FUEL BLENDS FOR USE AS MOTOR FUELS - An ethanol/fuel blend composition. The ethanol/fuel blend composition includes an ethanol composition including at least 92 wt. % ethanol, and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol and a fuel.

PROCESS FOR PURIFYING ETHANOL - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating an acetic acid feed stream in a first reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product may comprise, among other components, ethanol, acetaldehyde, and residual acetic acid. The process further comprises the step of recovering acetaldehyde from the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the steps of feeding a first portion of the recovered acetaldehyde to the first reactor and reacting the first portion of the recovered acetaldehyde in the first reactor to form additional ethanol. In addition, the inventive process may comprise the steps of feeding a second portion of the recovered acetaldehyde to a second reactor and reacting the second portion of the recovered acetaldehyde in the second reactor to faun an additional product.

02-09-2012

20120036769

INTEGRATED PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ALCOHOLS FROM A MIXED ACID FEED - Processes for producing alcohols such as ethanol and propanol from a mixed acid feedstock in an integrated process. In one embodiment, the process comprises the step of carbonylating methanol in the presence of a carbonylation catalyst to form a mixed acid feedstock comprising acetic acid and one or more higher acids, preferably comprising propionic acid. The mixed acid feed is hydrogenated in the presence of a hydrogenation catalyst to form a crude alcohol product comprising ethanol and one or more higher alcohols, preferably including propanol.

02-16-2012

20120041075

ETHANOL COMPOSITIONS - In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 85 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 850 wppm isopropanol.

02-16-2012

20120046501

Hydrogenolysis of Ethyl Acetate in Alcohol Separation Processes - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and by reacting a portion of the crude ethanol product or one or more derivative streams containing ethyl acetate obtained therefrom in the presence of hydrogen, via hydrogenolysis. The one or more derivative streams comprise ethyl acetate that are reacted via hydrogenolysis to form additional ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

02-23-2012

20120046502

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING ETHANOL WITH VAPOR SEPARATION - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

02-23-2012

20120059197

ALCOHOL PRODUCTION PROCESS INTEGRATING ACETIC ACID FEED STREAM COMPRISING WATER FROM CARBONYLATION PROCESS - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing ethanol, comprising the step of providing from a distillation column in a carbonylation process a purified acetic acid stream comprising up to 25 wt. % water. The process further comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid of the purified acetic acid stream in the presence of a catalyst and under conditions effective to form a crude ethanol product comprising ethanol and water. Ethanol is recovered from the crude ethanol product.

03-08-2012

20120245395

Reduced Energy Alcohol Separation Process Having Water Removal - The present invention relates to the recovery of alcohols, in particular ethanol, from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a reduced energy process. The crude ethanol product may be fed to a distillation column in which a substantial portion of the water is removed with the acetic acid in the residue. Additional water may be removed by using a pressure swing adsorption unit, molecular sieve, and/or membrane. Ethanol extraction may also be used to reduce the ethanol concentration in the recycle streams.

09-27-2012

20120245396

Recovering Ethanol Sidedraw By Separating Crude Product From Hydrogenation Process - A process for producing ethanol is disclosed, comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form a crude ethanol product, separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a column into a first distillate comprising ethanol and a first residue comprising acetic acid and water, wherein a substantial portion of the water in the crude ethanol product that is fed to the column is removed in the first residue, and separating a portion of the ethanol mixture stream to the second distillation column to yield an ethanol product sidedraw, second residue comprising water and a second distillate comprising ethyl acetate. The water content of the ethanol product sidedraw may be further reduced to yield a stream having reduced water content.

09-27-2012

20120273338

Process for Removing Water From Alcohol Mixtures - A process for removing water from an alcohol mixture, such as an ethanol mixture in the production of ethanol by hydrogenating acetic acid. The water is removed from a distillate of a first column using an adsorption unit, membrane, extractive column distillation, or a combination thereof.

11-01-2012

20120273339

Water Separation from Crude Alcohol Product - Recovery of alcohol, in particular ethanol, from a crude product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using various combinations of membranes and/or distillation columns.

11-01-2012

20120275989

Process for Producing a Water Stream from Ethanol Production - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing a water stream comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid to form a crude ethanol product and separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in at least one column of a plurality of columns into a distillate comprising ethanol and a residue comprising the water stream. The water stream preferably is essentially free of organic impurities other than acetic acid and ethanol.

11-01-2012

20120277463

Extractive Distillation of Crude Alcohol Product - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using an extractive distillation column. The column yields a first residue that comprises ethanol, ethyl acetate, acetic acid, and water. The first residue is separated in a second column to yield a second distillate comprising ethanol and ethyl acetate. The second distillate is then separated in a third column to yield a third distillate comprising ethyl acetate and a third residue comprising ethanol.

11-01-2012

20120277480

Separation Process Having an Alcohol Sidestream - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is fed to a distillation column to yield an ethanol sidestream.

Removing Water from an Acetic Acid Stream in the Production of Alcohols - A process for removing water from an acetic acid stream in the production of alcohols, such as ethanol produced by hydrogenating acetic acid. Water is removed from the acetic acid stream using an adsorption unit, membrane, molecular sieves, or a combination thereof, to form a return stream. The return stream may be recycled to the hydrogenation reactor.

11-01-2012

20120277484

Using A Dilute Acid Stream As An Extractive Agent - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using an extractive distillation column. A diluted acid stream, comprising less than 30 wt. % acetic acid, is used as the extractive agent and is fed at a point above the crude feed stream. The column yields a residue that comprises ethanol, acetic acid, and water. The diluted acid stream may be separated from the residue and returned to the extractive distillation column.

11-01-2012

20120277485

Process to Recover Alcohol From an Acidic Residue Stream - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

Process for Removing Aldehydes from Ethanol Reaction Mixture - A process for purifying an ethanol stream that comprises byproduct, such as aldehyde, acetals, and/or esters, but withdrawing a sidestream comprising ethanol from a distillation column. The sidestream may have a reduced concentration of aldehyde that reduces the formation of acetals in subsequent purification of the ethanol stream.

11-01-2012

20120277490

Process to Recover Alcohol From An Ethyl Acetate Residue Stream - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

11-01-2012

20120277491

REDUCING ETHYL ACETATE CONCENTRATION IN RECYCLE STREAMS FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION PROCESSES - Recycle streams in an ethanol production process are hydrolyzed to reduce ethyl acetate concentration. In the process, acetic acid is hydrogenated to form a crude ethanol product, which undergoes a separation or purification process. Ethyl acetate is formed as a byproduct of the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The hydrolysis of recycle steams from the separation process can reduce the concentration of ethyl acetate, converting some or all of the ethyl acetate to acetic acid and ethanol.

11-01-2012

20120277492

Reduced Energy Alcohol Separation Process Having Controlled Pressure - The present invention is directed to processes for the recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns. At least one of the columns is operated at a controlled pressure to enhance separation of ethanol and organics. In one embodiment, there are at least two columns that operate at controlled pressures.

11-01-2012

20120277493

Process to Recover Alcohol with Secondary Reactors for Hydrolysis of Acetal - A process for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid and water. Acetal byproduct can be reduced or removed through configurations of hydrolysis secondary reactors. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

11-01-2012

20120277494

Process to Reduce Ethanol Recycled to Hydrogenation Reactor - The present invention is directed to processes for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Acetic acid is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst in a hydrogenation reactor to form a crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product is separated in one or more columns to recover ethanol. In some embodiments, less than 10 wt. % ethanol is recycled to the hydrogenation reactor.

Process to Recover Alcohol with Reduced Water From Overhead of Acid Column - A process for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

11-01-2012

20120323048

Processes For Producing Ethanol From Acetaldehyde - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for forming an ethanol mixture by hydrogenating an acetaldehyde feed stream in the presence of a catalyst. The acetaldehyde feed stream comprises acetaldehyde and at least one of acetic acid and ethanol. Preferably the acetaldehyde feed stream is a by-product stream from a vinyl acetate synthesis process.

12-20-2012

20130032466

ETHANOL SEPARATION PROCESS HAVING STRIPPING SECTION FOR REDUCING ACETALS - To reduce acetal concentrations when separating ethanol from a crude product in one or more distillation column, at least one of the columns has a stripping section that comprises at least 40 stages to favor hydrolysis of the acetal. The crude product may comprise ethanol, acetaldehyde, water and one or more acetals, such as diethyl acetal. The acetal concentration may be reduced thus reducing the need to separate acetal from the crude product.

02-07-2013

20130032467

VAPOR SEPARATION IN ALCOHOL PRODUCTION - Two or more vapor-liquid separators are used in a process for removing at least one non-condensable gas from a crude alcohol mixture prepared by hydrogenating alkanoic acid and/or esters thereof. The vapor-liquid separators may comprise flashers or knock-out pots and are suitable for removing non-condensable gas, including those gases that are dissolved in the liquid. The multiple vapor-liquid separators may be in series prior to any separation of organic components. In addition, there may be a vapor-liquid separator before and after a distillation column for treating the feed to the column.

02-07-2013

20130035516

Process for Purifying a Crude Ethanol Product - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for purifying a crude ethanol product. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid in a first reaction zone in the presence of a first catalyst to form the crude ethanol product comprising ethanol, acetaldehyde, acetic acid, water, and acetal. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product into a refined ethanol stream and a by-product stream. The refined ethanol stream comprises ethanol and acetaldehyde; and the by-product stream comprises acetic acid and a substantial portion of the water from the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the step of hydrolyzing in a second reaction zone at least a portion of the acetal.

02-07-2013

20130035517

PRODUCTION OF ALCOHOLS - A process is described for producing an alcohol product, in which (a) a first feed composition comprising acetic acid is converted to a product comprising acetone; and (b) a second feed composition comprising at least part of the acetone produced in (a) is hydrogenated in the presence of a catalyst to produce a hydrogenation effluent comprising isopropanol.

02-07-2013

20130035518

REDUCING ACETALS DURING ETHANOL SEPARATION PROCESS USING HIGH PRESSURE DISTILLATION COLUMN - To reduce acetal concentrations when separating ethanol from a crude product in one or more distillation column, at least one of the columns is operated at a higher pressure to increase the equilibrium constant that favors hydrolysis of the acetal. The crude product may comprise ethanol, acetaldehyde, water and one or more acetals, such as diethyl acetal. The acetal concentration may be reduced thus reducing the need to separate acetal from the crude product.

02-07-2013

20130035520

REDUCING IMPURITIES IN HYDROGENATION PROCESSES WITH MULTIPLE REACTION ZONES - In a hydrogenation processes, a second lower temperature hydrogenation reactor is used to control the concentration of impurities, namely ethyl acetate, acetaldehyde, and acetal, prior to separating the reaction mixtures. Controlling impurities reduces the need for separation capital and improves overall efficiencies for recovering alcohols.

02-07-2013

20130035521

Process for Separating Ethanol Having Low Acid - A process for operating a distillation column to separate an ethanol mixture comprising ethanol and acetic acid where the recovered ethanol comprises less than 700 wppm acetic acid. The operating conditions for the column may vary depending on the fed composition. In particular the process provides energy efficient recovery of ethanol with low concentration acetic acid.

02-07-2013

20130035522

Processes for Separating Ethanol Having Low Acid - A process for reducing ethyl acetate and/or diethyl acetal concentration of a crude ethanol product by hydrolysis is disclosed. A portion of the water is initially separated from the crude ethanol product in a first column residue. Ethyl acetate in the first column distillate is hydrolyzed to form additional ethanol and acetic acid. Product ethanol is recovered in a second distillation column preferably in a side stream and acetic acid is removed in the second column residue.

02-07-2013

20130035523

Reducing Acetals During Ethanol Separation Process - To reduce acetal concentrations when separating ethanol from a crude product in one or more distillation column, at least one of the columns is operated at a higher pressure to increase the equilibrium constant that favors hydrolysis of the acetal. The crude product may comprise ethanol, acetaldehyde, water and one or more acetals, such as diethyl acetal. The acetal concentration may be reduced thus reducing the need to separate acetal from the crude product.

02-07-2013

20130035524

PROCESS FOR RECOVERING ALCOHOL - Recovery of an alcohol such as ethanol from a crude alcohol product, preferably obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, and water. The ethanol product is recovered in a second column as an ethanol side stream.

02-07-2013

20130035525

PROCESS FOR PRODUCING ANHYDROUS ETHANOL USING EXTRACTIVE DISTILLATION COLUMN - The present invention relates to the recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol product are employed to allow recovery of an anhydrous ethanol composition. The process involves separating the crude ethanol product using one or more extractive distillation columns that employ one or more extractive agents. The anhydrous ethanol composition comprises less than 1 wt. % water, based on the total weight of the anhydrous ethanol composition.

02-07-2013

20130046113

PROCESS FOR PURIFYING ETHANOL - Purifying and/or recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol mixture are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves returning acetaldehyde separated from the crude ethanol product to the reactor.

02-21-2013

20130053605

Process for Recovering Ethanol - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

02-28-2013

20130053606

Process for Producing Ethanol Using An Extractive Distillation Column - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of crude ethanol product are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities. In addition, the process involves separating the crude ethanol product using an extractive distillation column that employs an extraction agent, such as a recycled stream comprising water.

02-28-2013

20130085297

Processes for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates with Pre- and Post-Reactor Dilution - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of reacting a reaction mixture comprising a first diluent, an alkylenating agent and an alkanoic acid to form a crude acrylate product comprising alkylenating agent and acrylate product. The crude acrylate product is then diluted with a second diluted to form a diluted crude acrylate stream. The diluents are then removed from the diluted crude acrylate stream to form a liquid acrylate stream. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the liquid acrylate stream to form an alkylenating agent stream and an intermediate product stream. The alkylenating agent stream comprises at least 1 wt. % alkylenating agent and the intermediate product stream comprises acrylate product.

04-04-2013

20130085299

Processes for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylate with Diluted Crude Acrylate Stream - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of providing a crude acrylate product comprising the acrylate product and an alkylenating agent. The process further comprises the step of diluting the crude acrylate product with a diluent to form a diluted crude acrylate stream and recovering acrylate product from the diluted crude acrylate stream.

04-04-2013

20130085301

Processes for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of providing a crude product stream comprising the acrylate product, an alkylenating agent, and water. The process further comprises the step of contacting at least a portion of the crude product stream or a derivative thereof with an extraction agent mixture to form an extract stream and a raffinate stream. The extract stream comprises acrylate product and extraction agent. The raffinate stream comprises alkylenating agent and water. Preferably, the extraction agent mixture comprises at least two extraction agents.

04-04-2013

20130085302

Processes for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of providing a crude product stream comprising the acrylate product and an alkylenating agent. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude product stream to form an alkylenating agent stream and an intermediate product stream. The process further comprises the step of recovering high purity acrylate product using precipitation. The alkylenating agent stream comprises at least 1 wt % alkylenating agent and the intermediate product stream comprises acrylate product.

Vapor Esterification Method To Produce Ester Feed For Hydrogenolysis - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying, in the vapor phase, acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce the esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture.

05-23-2013

20130131393

Esterification Process Using Extractive Separation To Produce Feed For Hydrogenolysis - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product may be recovered using an extractive separation. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture.

05-23-2013

20130131394

Integrated Esterification and Hydrogenolysis Process For Producing Ethanol - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture. The crude reaction mixture may be further purified to recover ethanol.

05-23-2013

20130131395

Continuous Ethyl Acetate Production and Hydrogenolysis Thereof - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture. Ethyl acetate from the crude reaction mixture may be recovered as returned to assist in recovering the esterification product.

05-23-2013

20130131396

Esterifying Acetic Acid To Produce Ester Feed For Hydrogenolysis - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying an excess molar ratio of acetic acid with an alcohol, such as ethanol, to produce the esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture.

05-23-2013

20130131397

Liquid Esterification Method To Produce Ester Feed For Hydrogenolysis - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying, in the liquid phase, acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture.

05-23-2013

20130131398

Process of Recovery of Ethanol From Hydrogenolysis Process - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an esterification product, such as ethyl acetate. The processes comprise esterifying acetic acid and an alcohol such as ethanol to produce an esterification product. The esterification product is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising ethyl acetate, ethanol, and at least one alcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms. The ethanol is recovered with a reduced amount of the alcohol having at least 4 carbon atoms.

05-23-2013

20130131400

Hydrogenating Acetic Acid to Produce Ethyl Acetate and Reducing Ethyl Acetate to Ethanol - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing an ethyl acetate produced by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The ethyl acetate is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture. Thus, ethanol may be produced from acetic acid through an ethyl acetate intermediate without an esterification step. This may reduce the recycle of ethanol in the hydrogenolysis process and improve ethanol productivity.

05-23-2013

20130158288

Process For Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates - In one embodiment, the invention is to process for producing acrylics. The process includes the steps of contacting a crude product stream with an extraction agent mixture at a temperature less than 50° C.

06-20-2013

20130158297

ESTERIFYING AN ETHANOL AND ACETIC ACID MIXTURE TO PRODUCE AN ESTER FEED FOR HYDROGENOLYSIS - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by hydrogenating acetic acid to obtain a mixture of ethanol and acetic acid, esterifying the mixture to produce an esterification product and reducing the esterification product. The mixture may provide a sufficient amount of ethanol and acetic acid for esterification and reduces the need for additional acetic acid and/or ethanol. This may reduce the recycle of ethanol in the hydrogenolysis process and improve ethanol productivity.

06-20-2013

20130158300

Process For Producing Ethanol By Hydrogenating Mixed Feeds Comprising Water - The processes of the current invention relate to the production of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid and ethyl acetate. Conversion of ethyl acetate may be improved by controlling the water content that may be fed to the vaporizer to form a feed stream that may be fed to the hydrogenation reactor. At least 0.01 wt. % water is fed to the vaporizer. The crude ethanol product is separated two or more columns to yield an ethanol product.

06-20-2013

20130158302

Phasing Reactor Product from Hydrogenating Acetic Acid Into Ethyl Acetate Feed to Produce Ethanol - Disclosed herein are processes for alcohol production by reducing ethyl acetate produced by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a suitable catalyst. The product of the acetic acid hydrogenation is fed directly to a decanter to separate the hydrogenation product into an aqueous phase comprising water and ethanol and an organic phase comprising ethyl acetate. The organic phase is reduced with hydrogen in the presence of a catalyst to obtain a crude reaction mixture comprising the alcohol, in particular ethanol, which may be separated from the crude reaction mixture. Thus, ethanol may be produced from acetic acid through an ethyl acetate intermediate without an esterification step. This may reduce the recycle of ethanol in the hydrogenolysis process and improve ethanol productivity.

06-20-2013

20130165695

PROCESS CONDITIONS FOR PRODUCING ACRYLIC ACID - In one embodiment, the invention is to process for producing acrylics. The process includes the steps of contacting a crude product stream with an extraction agent mixture. The weight ratio of the extraction agent mixture to the crude product stream is greater than 0.25:1.

06-27-2013

20130172630

PRESSURE DRIVEN DISTILLATION FOR ETHANOL PRODUCTION AND RECOVERY FROM HYDROGENATION PROCESS - Recovery of alcohols, in particular ethanol, from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using pressure driven distillation to separate the crude ethanol product. The crude ethanol product may be fed to a distillations column in which a substantial portion of the water is removed with the acetic acid in the residue. A second column is at higher pressure than a first column.

07-04-2013

20130172631

Process for Monitoring Separation of Ethanol Mixture - A process is disclosed for monitoring separation streams of an ethanol purification process, including measuring the concentrations of impurities, monitoring one or more binary streams, or monitoring conductivity in an ethanol containing stream to determine acetic acid concentrations. The ethanol is produced by hydrogenating acetic acid. One or more on-line analyzers may be used to monitor the separation streams.

Processes for Preparing Acetic Anhydride - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing acetic anhydride. The process includes at least a step of carbonylating methanol and/or a methanol derivative with carbon monoxide to form acetic acid, and contacting ketene with the acetic acid to form a crude acetic anhydride product stream and a vent stream having unreacted ketene. The process further comprises a step of directing at least a portion of the vent stream to a liquid ring vacuum compressor having a ring seal fluid comprising acetic acid The unreacted ketene in the portion of the vent stream contacts the ring seal fluid to form supplemental acetic anhydride.

08-01-2013

20130199084

Ethanol Compositions - In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol and from 95 wppm to 1,000 wppm isopropanol.

08-08-2013

20130224102

PROCESS FOR UTILIZING A WATER STREAM IN A HYDROLYSIS REACTION TO FORM ETHANOL - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing a water stream comprising the steps of hydrogenating acetic acid to form a crude ethanol product and separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in at least one column of a plurality of columns into a distillate comprising ethanol and a residue comprising the water stream. The water stream preferably is essentially free of organic impurities other than acetic acid and ethanol.

08-29-2013

20130245331

Separation Process Having An Alcohol Sidestream - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is fed to a distillation column to yield an ethanol sidestream.

09-19-2013

20130253224

Process for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates - In one embodiment, the invention is to process for producing acrylics. The process includes the steps of contacting a crude product stream with an extraction agent mixture and diluting the crude product stream with at least one diluent.

09-26-2013

20130317254

Process for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of providing a crude product stream comprising the acrylate product and an alkylenating agent. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude product stream into an intermediate acrylate product stream and an alkylenating stream. The process further comprises separating at least a portion of the intermediate acrylate product stream by azeotropic distillation in the presences of an entrainer to form a stream containing acrylate product and a stream containing entrainer.

11-28-2013

20130345478

Process for Making Ethanol from Acetic Acid Using Acidic Catalysts - A process for selective formation of ethanol from acetic acid by hydrogenating acetic acid in the presence of a catalyst comprises a first metal on an acidic support. The acidic support may comprise an acidic support material or may comprise an support having an acidic support modifier. The catalyst may be used alone to produced ethanol via hydrogenation or in combination with another catalyst. In addition, the crude ethanol product is separated to obtain ethanol.

12-26-2013

20140046100

Processes for Maximizing Ethanol Formation In the Hydrogenation of Acetic Acid - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for purifying a crude ethanol product. The process comprises the step of hydrogenating acetic acid in a reactor in the presence of a catalyst to form the crude ethanol product. The process further comprises the step of separating at least a portion of the crude ethanol product in a purification zone. The purification zone preferably comprises a first column, which yields a first distillate comprising ethanol, water and ethyl acetate, and a first residue comprising acetic acid. The at least a portion of the crude ethanol product has a residence time from the reactor to the purification zone from 5 minutes to 5 days.

02-13-2014

20140058139

Process for Heat Integration for Ethanol Production and Purification Process - Ethanol production from the hydrogenation of acetic acid requires energy to drive the hydrogenation reaction and the purification of the crude ethanol product. Heat integration process to recover heat from one part of the production process to be used within the process improves efficiencies and reduces costs.

02-27-2014

20140066653

Processes For Purifying Acetic Anhydride and Method of Making Same - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for purifying acetic anhydride. The process includes the steps of feeding a liquid crude acetic anhydride stream directly to a distillation column and separating the liquid crude acetic anhydride stream to produce a light ends stream, a sidedraw and a residue stream. The sidedraw comprises substantially pure acetic anhydride product. The distillation column is operated at a pressure less than 101 kPa. The substantially pure acetic anhydride product comprises greater than 98 wt. % acetic anhydride, has a permanganate time of greater than 10 minutes, and has an APHA color of less than 10.

03-06-2014

20140121410

Processes for Regenerating Catalyst for Producing Acrylic Acids and Acrylates - In one embodiment, the invention is to a process for producing an acrylate product. The process comprises the step of reacting an alkanoic acid and an alkylenating agent over a catalyst to produce a crude acrylate product stream, and to product a used catalyst. The used catalyst may then be contacted with a regenerating stream to form a regenerated catalyst. Alkanoic acid and alkylenating agent may then be reacted over the regenerated catalyst to product additional crude acrylate product stream.

05-01-2014

20140128641

Process for Recovering Ethanol - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. Separation and purification processes of the crude ethanol products are employed to allow recovery of ethanol and remove impurities.

05-08-2014

20140142351

Combined Column for Separating Products of Different Hydrogenation Reactors - Recovery of ethanol from a crude product comprising ethyl acetate obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude product is separated to form an organic stream that may be subjected to hydrogenolysis to form ethanol. The organic phase may comprise ethyl acetate is reacted via hydrogenolysis form ethanol that may be directly or indirectly fed to the separation zone or the hydrogenation reactor.

05-22-2014

20140275637

THERMOCHEMICALLY PRODUCED ETHANOL COMPOSITIONS - In one embodiment, the present invention is to an ethanol composition comprising at least 92 wt. % ethanol and from 20 wppm to 94 wppm isopropanol. The composition may be free of methanol and acetaldehyde.

09-18-2014

20140275640

SINGLE PHASE ESTER FEED FOR HYDROGENOLYSIS - The process involves esterifying ethanol and acetic acid to produce an esterification product that is in a single phase that is directly reduced, by hydrogenolysis, to produce ethanol. The single phase is not capable of separating. Feeding a single phase feed stream reduces the separation of the esterification product. Hydrogen may be fed to the esterification reactor that operates at a high pressure that is substantially similar to or greater than the hydrogenolysis reactor.

09-18-2014

20150099904

Process To Recover Alcohol From An Ethyl Acetate Residue Stream - Recovery of ethanol from a crude ethanol product obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid using a low energy process. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

04-09-2015

20150099905

Process to Recover Alcohol with Reduced Water From Overhead of Acid Column - A process for recovering ethanol obtained from the hydrogenation of acetic acid. The crude ethanol product is separated in a column to produce a distillate stream comprising acetaldehyde and ethyl acetate and a residue stream comprising ethanol, acetic acid, ethyl acetate and water. The ethanol product is recovered from the residue stream.

04-09-2015

Patent applications by R. Jay Warner, Houston, TX US

Sean Benjamin Warner, Saginaw, TX US

Patent application number

Description

Published

20140273755

Aircraft Skin Surface Planing - A contoured surface planing apparatus for removing proud-standing material from a contoured surface without damaging the surface. The apparatus may include a tool comprising a motor-driven rotary cutter supported by a main body for rotation about a cutter axis, and orientation contact points spaced around the cutter and defining an orientation contact plane disposed parallel to the cutter axis.